Is Solar Energy Enough To Run An Air Source Heat Pump?

Solar energy can be enough to run an air source heat pump. The amount of energy an air source heat pump requires can depend on a few factors such, and the efficiency of the solar panels and the configuration of the heat pump can both affect the effectiveness of this setup.

While it can be possible to run an air source heat pump solely using solar panels, an installer will need to design a system that works efficiently and effectively.

Air source heat pumps run at different levels depending on how the system is set up in your household and the climate you live in. Air source heat pumps will need to work harder in colder temperatures and this can affect energy usage, especially in the months where solar panels may not be able to extract as much energy.

For solar panels to be used so that solar energy can power an air source heat pump, an installer will need to consider the setup of the solar panels themselves, and factors such as:

The available roof area and the number and size of solar panels required.

The local climate and the expected sunlight throughout different times of the year.

The efficiency rating of the solar panels and therefore their ability to convert the available sunlight into the most amount of electrical energy.

There will need to be enough space on the roof of a home to accommodate the required number of solar panels. Furthermore, reduced sunlight compared to other locations and using lower efficiency, lower cost panels can increase the number of panels and overall surface area required.

An installer will also need to consider the air source heat pump side of the setup, including:

The type of air source heat pump.

The efficiency of the heat pump and its energy usage.

The demand for heating, cooling or hot water throughout the year.

There are two main types of air source heat pump: air to air and air to water.

An installer will need to understand the type of heat pump and its accompanying internal heating setup.

For example, our heat pump is the air to water type and therefore works alongside radiators and underfloor heating in our home to deliver central heating.